The Bengals are in the unexpected position of playing the spoiler in this renewal of the Battle of Ohio. When the teams met in the second game of the season, the Bengals were considered contenders and the Browns looked to be headed for another dismal season. Things have changed. Now the Bengals are looking to deny Cleveland a playoff spot. It's not much, but it's all the Bengals have got.

What's at stake?
Pride and not much else, other than draft positioning. Right now, the Bengals would draft ninth or 10th. They are unlikely to draft higher than fifth even if they lose their final two games.

On the hot seat
Bengals QB Carson Palmer.  Who would have thought that Derek Anderson would outplay the Bengals quarterback, not only in their earlier matchup, but all season? Palmer has been in a prolonged slump for the first time in his career, and if the Bengals are to pull the upset, he has to revert to form. In particular, he must find his chemistry with WR Chad Johnson.

Key matchup
Bengals MLB Landon Johnson vs. Browns RB Jamal Lewis Johnson quietly has had a solid season. He had 14 tackles last week and leads the team with 125, though he hasn't made as many impact plays as top middle linebackers typically do. He will have to be stout against Lewis, who has been reborn as a Brown. Lewis gets stronger as the game progresses, and the Browns would like to be able to pound the ball, especially if the weather is bad.

Streaks/slumps
Excluding the Tennessee game, Cincinnati's offense has scored seven touchdowns in six games. … Though the Bengals are seventh in the NFL in total offense (350.4 yards per game), they are 13th in scoring (23.1). … T.J. Houshmandzadeh set the Bengals' season receiving record with his 101st catch last week against San Francisco, breaking Carl Pickens' record.

The Bengals win if …
They make more big plays on offense. It's too much to expect the Bengals to shut down the Browns offense, but they have the ability to win a shootout. The Bengals offense can't underachieve every week, can it?

The Bengals lose if …
They allow Lewis to gouge them and can't contain WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. Offensively, the Bengals won't win if they continue to shoot themselves in the foot with careless penalties, a bad running game and erratic passing.

Prediction
BROWNS 34, BENGALS 24
The Bengals mailed it in last week and the Browns have a playoff stake to play for. A Cincinnati upset wouldn't be a complete shock, but the Bengals have long since passed the point where they deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Columbus Dispatch

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